XXth International Congress on Ancient Bronzes
17.04.-21.04.2018
University of Tübingen, Germany

XXth International Congress on Ancient Bronzes: Resource, Reconstruction, Representation, Role
Our understanding of ancient bronzes has grown significantly in the last decades through several studies and collaborative research projects – including the International Congresses on Ancient Bronzes –, but it is far from complete. We still need to explore questions concerning bronze(s) as resource, on their reconstruction, the motives and subjects represented, and on the function of bronzes in society.
In the ancient world, bronzes – from over-lifesize sculptures to small-scale objects – were an omnipresent and integral part of public and private everyday life. Bronze was also a valuable resource. From a scientific point of view, the last decades saw new methods of analyses to reconstruct the production processes of ancient bronzes. Besides modern analysis, research on ancient bronze sculpture is still relying on theories and methodologies developed in art history to discuss the style and chronology. Irrespective of the nature of the object – may it be sculpture, tool, or weapon – the role and function of the bronzes need to be studied in conjunction with the archaeological context with which the objects were once associated. The conference aims at addressing these four key topics and bringing together experts from different backgrounds in order to develop further the study on ancient bronzes.

Submissions may address the following topics:

- Resource: Bronze(s) as resource: Bronze was always valued and traded through the ancient world; as bullion, tools, statues, or scrap metal. Papers shall discuss the value of bronze as resource against the backdrop of metal sourcing and trade. Questions of reuse and recycling will also be included.

- Reconstruction: Ancient methods of production, modern repair and modern analysis: Our knowledge of ancient production methods has grown in the last decades thanks to modern analyses. Papers will discuss both aspects, including questions on forgery and counterfeiting.

- Representation: From small-scale objects to the colossus of Rhodes: Ancient bronze sculptures have survived in different sizes and quality. For instance, some small votive bronzes appear to have been manufactured in mass production; on the other hand, we also encounter unique monumental cast bronze sculptures. Papers shall discuss both strands and study small-scale bronzes as products of everyday life or deal with famous bronze sculpture.

- Role and function: From sanctuaries to rubbish pits – archaeological context: Bronze objects are discovered in different archaeological contexts, which allow us to (re-)construct their original context of use and function. Papers will discuss such phenomena, including the theoretical concepts of biography of objects and agency.

We invite proposals for panels and papers for the general session.
Those wishing to organize a panel should submit a title of the session, personal details (Name, affiliation and email of the proposer[s]), an abstract of no more than 450 words, a list of speakers and titles of papers by 01.06.2017. Panels must consist of six papers and shall not exceed four hours in total length.

Proposals for papers are also invited for the general session and posters session. Please send abstracts for papers and posters in English of no more than 300 words by 01.07.2017 to the organizers. Submissions must also include personal details (Name, affiliation and email). Please note that presentations should not exceed 20-25 minutes.

All submissions will go through a peer review process. The final conference program (including accepted panels) will be announced by the end of July 2017.

A conference fee of 100 € will be charged upon registration. Further details (registration process etc.) will be announced on the webpage with the publication of the conference.